The Marine Museum at Fall River is a cultural gem and contains a wealth of Fall River Maritime History especially Steam Ship and Titanic memorabilia. Discover the art, books, models and many treasures the Marine Museum holds. This is a must see
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The Marine Museum at Fall River is a cultural gem and contains a wealth of Fall River Maritime History especially Steam Ship and Titanic memorabilia. Discover the art, books, models and many treasures the Marine Museum holds. This is a must see resource for landlubbers and mariners alike.

Carol Gafford is a public librarian, family historian, amateur archivist and book savior. She is currently the youth services/outreach librarian at the Swansea Public Library and volunteers for several museum and historical societies including the Marine Museum at Fall River, the Swansea Historical Society and the Bristol Historical and Preservation society. She is the editor of Past Times, the Massachusetts Society of Genealogists and is always looking for a new project to take on.

The Parklands nature trail, which loops around about three-quarters of Hopedale Pond, is the best walk in the area. The trail head starts after the large lawn past the town beach and bathhouse at Hopedale and Dutcher streets. The only parking available at this end is along the grassy stretch of Hopedale Street (near the Little Red Shop) which runs between Freedom and Dutcher streets. The closed Draper Mill Complex overlooks this area of the park. This is the only section I would recommend on warm days. Leashes are required here. The main trail, which is quite shady, is about a half-hour walk from the trail head to the quaint, stone Rustic Bridge at the northernmost end of Hopedale Pond. The water is clearer on this stretch and often accessible directly or by the occasional small path. A quicker way to this peaceful haven is from the Hazel Street entrance (at a yellow gate) which is off West Street (Rte. 140). Just take the main trail and bear right. Past the Rustic Bridge, the trail runs for about 20 minutes beween the pond and the former Draper Corporation's old rail line. If you don't mind your dog getting muddy there are places for him to get a drink on this side of the pond, although I think it may be best to bring water. The trail ends at the Freedom Street entrance and another yellow gate.